Ouya Android device will be a $99 game streaming box

At least one group of people thinks that Android is a solid platform for video games. There is a new device in development that uses Google’s mobile OS specifically for game playback on a TV, and it carries the code name “Ouya.” It doesn’t appear to have an official license from Google yet, and it’s unclear if the developers intend to go that route.

After all, it’s already being touted that users will be able to hack the device in order to play unofficial game titles through the Android software. Streaming video game devices appear to be the big thing these days. Onlive is as popular as ever, and is poised to get a large boost when it fully integrates with Google TV. And Sony just acquired Gaikai, the other key player in the “Netflix for video games” market.

Of course, Android isn’t exactly the biggest name in the world of gaming, or even in the world of mobile gaming. So it certainly will be a test to make Ouya a success. According to a now-removed listing on AngelList.com, some of the individuals involved in the Ouya project are people who have previously been part of such high-profile projects as One Laptop Per Child, Jawbone Jambox, Peek, and Color. It’s expected that the Ouya will sell for $99.